Misrepresenting black Africa in U.S. museums : black skin, black masks / P. A. Mullins.

Format:

Book

Author/Creator:

Mullins, P. A., author.

Series:

Routledge African studies ; 33.

Routledge African studies ; 33

Language:

English

Subjects (All):

Sheppard, William H. (William Henry), 1865-1927.

Museums--History--Africa, Sub-Saharan.

Museums.

History.

Museums--Social aspects.

Black people--Race identity.

Identity (Psychology).

Masks--Social aspects.

Masks.

Antiquities.

Collectors and collecting.

Sub-Saharan Africa.

Africa--Antiquities--Collectors and collecting--United States.

Africa.

Ethnological museums and collections--United States--History.

Ethnological museums and collections.

United States.

Masks--Social aspects--Africa, Sub-Saharan.

Identity (Psychology)--Africa, Sub-Saharan.

Sheppard, William H. (William Henry), 1865-1927--Influence.

Sheppard, William H.

Black people--Race identity--United States--History.

Black people.

Racism--United States--History--20th century.

Racism.

Museums--Social aspects--United States--History--20th century.

Antiquities--Collectors and collecting.

Influence (Literary, artistic, etc.).

Genre:

History.

Physical Description:

x, 207 pages ; 24 cm.

Place of Publication:

Abingdon, Oxon ; New York : Routledge, [2020]

Summary:

"This book is an examination of race, Black African objects, identity, museums at the turn of the 19th century in the U.S. via the history of the earliest collectors of Black African objects in the U.S. Misrepresenting Black Africa in American Museums explores black identity as a changing, nuanced concept. Focusing on racial history in the United States, this book examines two of the earliest collectors of Black African objects in the United States. First, there is a history of race and ideas of primitiveness is presented. Next, there is a discussion of western concepts of race. Then there is an examination of Karl Steckelmann, the first collector who is a United States citizen. After which there is a critical account of William H. Sheppard, the second collector who is also a black Presbyterian Minister from Virginia. Then a broader discussion of public appearances of Black African images in public. This is followed by a detailed look at museum formation and practices. Next, there is a theoretical discussion of identity and race, and finally, a look at the impact of historical practices that continue into the 21st century. This book will be of interest to scholars of race and racism, African visual culture, heritage and museum studies"-- Provided by publisher.

Contents:

Inventing primitives

Black masks

White masks

The good Sheppard

Black masks in public

Black masks white spaces

Object signs signification

Impact.

Notes:

Includes bibliographical references and index.

Other Format:

Online version: Mullins, P. A., Misrepresenting black Africa in U.S. museums

ISBN:

0367194546

9780367194543

OCLC:

1128888090